CM Gandapur warns of 'retaliation' if govt imposes governor's rule in KP

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur lashed out at the crackdown on PTI protesters in Islamabad while addressing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. He also warned the government against imposing a ‘governor’s rule’ in the province.

“Fear the day when we will respond to your guns with our own. We will abandon our peaceful protest. We also have guns, ammunition, and wealth. We will sell our land and houses to buy weapons and then take our rights by force,” CM Gandapur said in a fiery speech.

He emphasised that the party cannot be intimidated through threats to their assembly seats. “We couldn't care less about them,” he said, adding that if the government dares to impose governor’s rule, it should be prepared for the consequences.

“I challenge you to impose governor’s rule,” Gandapur said. “We fight terrorism and sacrifice ourselves for it. Our mandate is stolen, our leader is jailed, we are shot at, and we are denied the right to hold peaceful protests. If you want to continue this oppression, we can respond in kind,” he warned.

CM Gandapur along with former prime minsiter Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi led a large caravan from KP to march to Islamabd to hold a sit-in for the release of the PTI founder. 

Beofre the march, he had said that PTI workers would remain in Islamabad until Imran Khan and other prisoners are released, and their demands are met.

However, as the unrest followed the violent crackdwon against the protesters, Gandapur and Bushra Bibi fled to KP. 

The federal cabinet supported the imposition of governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the use of state machinery by the Ali Amin Gandapur-led government in Islamabad march.

As per sources, the government decided to consult with the allied parties including, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Qaumi Watan Party and Awami National Party (ANP) before declaring governor's Rule in KP.

The Law Ministry and the Attorney General also submitted their opinion to the federal cabinet regarding the matter.

The government accused CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur for exploiting provincal government's resources, using vehicles and police personnel for his party's protests in Islamabad.